Hellion – Gigantic Brewing Company

This “dry-hopped Belgian-style golden ale” from the exciting Portland, Oregon brewers Gigantic pours a straw-like gold with a tight, bright white head. It has the expected Belgian golden nose of strong grains, a little bit of barnyard floor, and some vague tropical notes. The first swallow is rich with de-sweetened pineapple and papaya, building in candied flavor until subsiding into a wave of bitterness. A nice, rum-like burn settles in on the long finish, along with some honeyed fruit, ginger root, and dry crackers. Hellion is a very good beer, bringing a welcome earthy quality to this often overwhelmingly sweet style.